Egypt-Inspired Jewelry by Jamie Spinello

Metal jewelry designer Jamie Spinello’s recent creations are inspired by a time that has always intrigued me – ancient Egypt. This is a new fashion trend – you heard it here first. OK, maybe you didn’t but I’m putting it out there!

Working with copper, aluminum and brass, Jamie crafts pieces inspired by all kinds of different cultures, peoples and times in history but what interests me most is the Egyptian jewelry, partially because I love the geometries but also because I like the oversized nature of the pieces and their forcefulness.

The warrior cuff and muzzle ring appear to be inspired by battle gear – so cool. They’re almost Brutalist…

Jaime Derringer, Founder + Executive Editor of Design Milk, is a Jersey girl living the laid back life in SoCal. She dreams about architectural jewelry + having enough free time to enjoy some of her favorite things—running, reading, and drawing.

Thank you so much for the feature! My work is inspired by both egyptian motifs and medieval torture devices. I am really in love with playing 45 degree angles against 90 degree angles and seeing what patterns can result. Thank you! I love all of your jewelry features!

CindyTellsMe on 11.24.2012 at 13:31 PM

There is much more than just Egyptian or Medieval inspiration going on in these pieces. I see subtle references to Art Deco, Modernism, Greek and Roman design, and many others. Together they add up to a perfect jewelry ensamble for the time traveling post-apocalyptic princess. I can tell the maker looks at a lot of work from different cultures and periods and appropriates different ideas and aesthetics to create her own unique designs. These pieces display a creativity and confidence, and an overall ability to think outside of the jewelry “box” that is rare among designers today. Good find!

Delynn on 12.03.2012 at 07:46 AM

John on 07.12.2013 at 21:49 PM

I’m looking for a bold mans bracelet similar to the one on your webpage with some turquoise inlays. My goal is to somehow attach a plastic jar lid, either pre-existing or fabricated on the bottom of the bracelet to lay on top of my banjo head as a moveable arm rest. This will keep any flesh from touching the banjo head and dampening the tone and sustain. I’m now using a sock top with a plastic lid with holes drilled around the sides and stitched to the sock. The elastic in the sock is giving away and it looks horrible plus it sags. The bracelet concept would look better and hold solid, the lid or fabricated arm rest to elevate my arm. It would better on stage to have something ornamental on the arm. The bracelet must be long enough to prevent the device from pivoting around and changing my hand position over the strings. I think the bracelet illustrated on your page would work.